Mobile Computing

For more information, please contact Brad Niessen at 973-4743 or at bniessen@usd259.net

Laptops, netbooks and laptop carts are great solutions to bring 21st Century learning into any classroom. Mobile computing enhances the interactive learning experience; while at the same time empowering students in the learning process in ways no other 'tool' has been able to.

Dell Latitude 2100 Netbooks Problem/Resolution:

Problem	Resolution
Error message on the netbooks when trying to launch the KCA assessment: Minimum system requirements must be 800X 600	Change by right clicking on desktop -> Graphics Properties->Display Settings-> Set the screen resolution to1024 x 600. this will also set the screen so you don’t have to scroll.
No Run Command Window	Right mouse click on the Start Menu->Click on Properties->Start Menu->Select Classic Start Menu
Touch pad Zoom Feature Appears- Students and teachers may find the default setting for Touch pad Zoom feature annoying or distracting.	Double click the touch pad icon in the lower right hand corner->Click on the Gestures and Settings->Uncheck Enable (This may need to be done for each profile)
Problems with scrolling or items not showing up correctly	Resolution 1: Icons may be set to a larger setting. Right click on Start - > Properties -> General Make sure Small icons is selected. Resolution 2: DPI may be set to the Large size (120 DPI) Control Panel -> Display -> Settings- > Advanced -> and make sure the DPI settings are set to Normal size (96 DPI).
Screen has been rotated	To correct this problem simply click one of the following depending on rotation: CTRL + ALT + Up Arrow CTRL + ALT + Up Down CTRL + ALT + Up Right CTRL + ALT + Up Left

Planning the Use of Laptops and Netbooks:
Begin by creating a management plan that addresses the following:

• Focus on what you want your students to learn, rather than what technology projects you want them to do.
• Create a tips for Using the Laptop Carts document that is on each cart
• An orientation in the use of the wireless laptops is a must. Go over proper handling procedures as well as taking them out of and putting them back in the cart.
• Using the laptops with small lessons. Gradually introduce lessons that are larger and more time consuming.

Don’t forget to remind teachers to plan ahead. They need to determine what needs to be done prior to bringing the cart to their room.

Shared Laptop Cart Tips:

Scheduling and Use of Laptops and Netbooks:

• If multiple rooms are going to use the laptop cart, a schedule is highly suggested-

Option 1- Put a schedule up on the school portal, wiki or on a shared Google calendar

Option 2- Have a paper schedule in a central location where it can be accessed at all times.

• Assign the same students to the same laptops each time. Keep this information documented in case any issues occur with a device.

• Create a laptop cart tips/troubleshooting sheet and keep it attached to the cart

• Have a STL team be in charge of delivering laptops to rooms

• Create school norms

Sample Laptop and Netbook Cart Norms

• Please schedule your usage of the cart on the lab schedule.
• If you have signed up for the cart and you decide not to use it, please take you name off of the schedule immediately.
• Refer to the Tips for Using the Laptop Carts document that is on each cart.
• Be respectful of others that may wish to use the carts while you are not. If you have scheduled the cart for each period of your day, be aware that another teacher may want to use during the periods that you are not using it.
• When you are finished using the cart, please return it to it's proper storage area and make sure that it is secure.

General Laptop and Netbook Care Tips:

• Students should be taught to take the computers from the cart cautiously, paying attention to how the laptops are attached to the AC power cord. Careful placement on their desktops should be encourage.

• Take into consideration the traffic patterns once the laptops are out of the cart and place on desk or tables.

• When returning the laptops to the cart, students must be very careful that the AC power cords are firmly attached to the machines or they will not charge.

• Laptop screens should only be cleaned with LCD screen cleaning wipes. Do not use any glass cleaners on the screens. LCD screen wipes can be purchased at retail store for around $7.00.

• Never handle a laptop by the screen .Pressure can crack or ruin screen pixels. Oil and dirt from your skin also ruins the screen's film coating. Don't scratch, twist, hit or push the surface of your computer display.

• Avoid closing the machine with anything sitting on the keyboard Even paper can cause damage. Pens and pencils
can actually crack the screen.

• Make sure that the laptop cart is plugged in after each use so that the laptops and spare batteries will charge when not in use.

• Make flash drives or SD cards available for students to save work to

• External mice do not come with the cart, but can be purchased from any computer or super store for under $10.00